Apple’s Augmented Reality Glasses Project Alive with Persistent Rumors

Contrary to earlier reports, Apple's augmented reality glasses haven't been scrapped. New rumors indicate they are still under development.

Apple’s AR Glasses Projects: A Cancellation Followed by a Comeback?

In early February, whispers suggested Apple had scrapped its AR glasses project linked to a Mac. The news, stirring some commotion, came from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, known for his insights into the tech giant. According to him, “the glasses received poor reviews during executive reviews.”

A Cancellation? Not So Fast…

But the story doesn’t end there. In his latest Power On newsletter, Gurman revisits the topic to reveal that Apple hasn’t completely given up on its augmented reality glasses endeavors.

This isn’t entirely unexpected. Apple has been rumored to start and stop its smart glasses projects multiple times. The Mac-linked model was just one of several paths Apple briefly pursued before moving on to explore new directions.

Apple’s Perseverance in Facing Augmented Reality Challenges

Despite setbacks, Apple’s long-term goal remains intact. According to Gurman, the company still aims to develop standalone AR glasses and continues to work on underlying technologies, such as chips and displays.

In 2024, rumors suggested that Apple glasses featuring microLED displays might emerge by 2026. However, it remains unclear if these are the same glasses Gurman referred to. Unlike VR headsets, AR or XR glasses are evolving slowly but steadily. They are becoming more powerful and capable, yet still have a long way to go. It wouldn’t be surprising if Apple draws inspiration from the AR Xreal One glasses, which can connect to multiple devices and feature their own X1 chip designed by Xreal.